News

For five vibrant days, the heart of Maitland came alive as more than 50 cultures and nations came together for one of the region’s most colourful and meaningful community celebrations.  Held from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 October 2026, Maitland Riverlights brought food, music, performances, art and cultural traditions to venues across the city. The celebrations culminated in a free main event at The Levee in Central Maitland on Saturday 10 October.  As presenting partner, The Mutual Bank was proud to once again support an event that brought people together and celebrated the many cultures, backgrounds and stories that make our region stronger.    A world of culture in the heart of Maitland  Across the five-day program, residents and visitors took part in cultural workshops, discovered new languages and stories, and explored creative traditions at venues including Maitland’s libraries and Maitland Regional Art Gallery.  The main event featured more than 20 cultural villages, traditional food, live performances and fashion from around the world. Visitors also collected Cultural Passports and gathered stamps as they explored the different villages.  As the sun set, the celebrations continued along the Hunter River with the Riverlights parade, lantern flotilla and a spectacular light show.  The Mutual Bank's tent was a popular stop for young festival-goers who proudly presented their completed Cultural Passports. After visiting every cultural village and collecting their stamps, children received a piggy bank and a $20 voucher towards a Mighty Mutual Kids Account. Beyond rewarding their curiosity and participation, the initiative helped introduce the value of saving and gave children a practical start on their financial journey.      Supporting the community we call home  The Mutual Bank was founded by local people more than 138 years ago with a simple purpose: to keep investment in the Hunter and help the community prosper. Today, that purpose continues through the Bank’s support for local events and initiatives that strengthen connections and help the region thrive.  For CEO Mark Williams, Riverlights reflects what strong communities are built on.  “At The Mutual Bank, we believe strong communities are built through connection, understanding and shared experiences. Events like Riverlights create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate what makes us unique and strengthen the sense of belonging that helps our community thrive.”  Riverlights brought activity into Maitland’s city centre, supported local businesses and celebrated the growing diversity of the community. It is why The Mutual Bank was proud to take part not only as a presenting partner, but as a local neighbour, supporter and champion of the region.  Riverlights also hosted Maitland’s annual Australian Citizenship Ceremony, where the city’s newest citizens made their citizenship pledge and were formally welcomed as Australians. Set against the colour and culture of the festival, the ceremony marked an important milestone and celebrated the stories, experiences and traditions each new citizen brings to the Maitland community.    A celebration to remember  Families and friends explored the cultural villages, discovered new traditions and shared in the food, music and entertainment that make Riverlights such a special part of the Maitland calendar.  The celebration was a reminder that while our stories and traditions may be different, it is the connections we create that bring us together as one community.  The Mutual Bank thanks everyone who helped make Maitland Riverlights 2026 a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and community.  Maitland Riverlights is presented by Maitland City Council and The Mutual Bank, with funding support from the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW.  

Buying a home is more than signing a contract or applying for a loan. It is a journey filled with decisions, new terminology and moments that can shape the next chapter of your life.  For some people, it is a journey they are taking for the first time. For others, it may have been many years since they last purchased a property, and the process can feel unfamiliar all over again.  Wherever you are starting from, having the right information and knowing who can help can make the path ahead feel much clearer.  That is why The Mutual Bank is hosting Make it Yours: Understanding the Home Buying Journey, a free information evening at the Hunter River Hotel on Wednesday 16 September 2026.   Practical information from local professionals  The evening will bring together members of The Mutual Bank’s local Lending Team, local conveyancers and local real estate agents to explain the different stages involved in purchasing a home.  Attendees will receive practical information about preparing to apply for a home loan, understanding borrowing power and pre-approval, looking for the right property, working with a real estate agent, reviewing contracts, engaging a conveyancer and preparing for settlement.  The session is designed to help take some of the mystery out of the process. It will also give attendees an opportunity to hear different perspectives from the professionals who help buyers move from an initial idea to the moment the keys are finally in their hands.   Who should attend?  The event is open to anyone who would like a clearer understanding of the home buying process.  It may be helpful if you are:  Considering buying a home but are unsure where to begin  Saving for a deposit and planning for the future  Preparing to speak with a lender  Returning to the property market after some time  Supporting a child, family member or friend through the process  Looking for a clearer picture of what happens between pre-approval and settlement  You do not need to arrive with detailed knowledge, a completed savings plan or a property already in mind. The purpose of the evening is to help you understand the journey and feel more confident about the questions to ask along the way.   Event details  Event: Make it Yours: Understanding the Home Buying Journey Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026 Venue: Hunter River Hotel Doors open: 5.30pm Light dinner and welcome drink: Provided Speaker program: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Cost: Free, bookings essential  Places are limited.    Book your free ticket:  Make it Yours: Understanding the Home Buying Journey  A home can begin as an idea, a goal or a hope for the future. Wherever your journey begins, good information can help you take the next step with greater clarity and confidence.    The information provided at this event is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Please review our Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determinations, Terms and Conditions, Financial Services Guide, and Credit Guide before deciding to acquire a product.  Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, fees and charges apply to all loans.

Scams Awareness Week is back from 24–28 August 2026, and this year we’re once again taking our message even further into the community.  This year’s theme, “No one’s just a number”, puts a human face to the scale of the problem. Behind every scam report is a real person, someone who has had money, time or trust stolen.  Last year, we held our first successful Tea and Tips scam awareness event, bringing customers together for an open conversation about scams, how they happen, who they target, and how to stay safe. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees taking away practical information to help protect themselves and their loved ones.  This year, we’re continuing that momentum with a local event designed to open up the conversation, raise awareness, and empower our community to take action. The more we talk about scams, the more we can help others recognise the warning signs and feel confident to speak up.  What’s Happening This Year?  Our team will be hosting “Tea and Tips: Staying Safe from Scams”, a special event on Wednesday 26 August from 10.00am to 11.30am at Easts Leisure and Golf Club, 2 Tenambit Street, East Maitland NSW 2323.  Hosted by our CEO, Mark Williams, the event will feature members of our team sharing real-life scam stories and practical ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Attendees will also receive helpful take-home resources to continue the conversation with friends, family and loved ones.  Why It Matters  Scams can happen to anyone. In 2025, Australians made 481,523 scam reports, with total combined financial losses of $2.2 billion. Of those reports, 274,577 Australians were scammed.  While the biggest losses came from investment scams, payment redirection scams, romance and relationship scams, and remote access scams, we have also seen the growing impact of buy/sell scams and impersonation scams. These scams often involve criminals posing as trusted organisations, such as banks, government agencies, or telecommunication providers. These figures show just how sophisticated and widespread scams have become.  Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressure people to act quickly, and make communications look like they come from organisations, suppliers or people we know and trust. That’s why the national campaign encourages three simple steps for any scam, in any situation: Stop. Check. Protect.  Stop. Take a moment before giving money or personal information to anyone.  Check. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Use contact details you have found yourself, not details provided in a message.  Protect. If something feels wrong, act quickly. Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details, and report the scam to Scamwatch.  By sharing stories and starting conversations, we can help others spot scams before they happen. We want our customers to feel confident, informed and supported.  How You Can Get Involved  Attend our Tea and Tips event. RSVP by Wednesday 19 August here or by calling us on 1300 688 825.  Talk about scams. Sharing experiences helps others recognise the signs and feel less alone.  Stop. Check. Protect. Take a moment, verify who you’re dealing with, and act quickly if something feels wrong.  We’re proud to be part of this national campaign and invite all customers to join us in making our community safer. 

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with two of the biggest names in women’s rugby league - Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins. Both are standout players in the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition, playing for the Newcastle Knights after being raised in the Hunter. They are proud Jillaroos representatives, and now they’re joining The Mutual Bank family. We’re proud to champion women in sport and strengthen our connection to the communities we serve. Yasmin, captain of the Newcastle Knights, is a force on the field in the second row. Her sporting journey includes representing Australia in Rugby Union before making her mark in rugby league at the Roosters, Knights and representing NSW in the Sky Blues and Australia in the Jillaroos. Raised in Cardiff South and now living in Scone, Yasmin is a qualified high school teacher who is currently devoting all her energy to sport. She’s also a co-founder of Future Fierce Academy, a program dedicated to empowering female players of all ages. Olivia, also a three-time NRLW premiership winner alongside Yasmin and NSW and Australian representative, brings her own impressive credentials. Olivia made her test debut in 2024 and was part of the winning national side again this year. A Raymond Terrace local and former All Saints Maitland student, Olivia now teaches at Newcastle High and shares Yasmin’s passion for developing the next generation of players as her business partner in Future Fierce Academy. We’re thrilled to have Yasmin and Olivia represent The Mutual Bank and can’t wait to share some exciting promotions and content featuring the duo in the coming months.

The Mutual Bank is proud to be the presenting partner of Maitland Riverlights 2025, a spectacular celebration of culture, creativity and community spirit in the heart of the Hunter. Maitland Riverlights is more than just a festival. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings people together to connect, share stories and celebrate diversity. It perfectly aligns with our ethos of supporting regional prosperity and creating inclusive experiences for all. The program will feature an exciting array of cultural workshops, live performances and interactive activities held across various locations throughout the city of Maitland. Our CEO, Mark Williams, said Maitland Riverlights is a truly magnificent event that brings our community together to connect, swap stories and share joy. “Events like Maitland Riverlights energise our city centre, support local businesses, and contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of our region,” said Mark. “We’re thrilled to help shine a light on Maitland and everything that makes it such a special place to live, work and visit.” Save the Date! Get ready for a week-long celebration from Tuesday 7 October and culminating with the main event on Saturday 11 October. More details about the program will be released closer to the date but you can stay up to date by visiting the Maitland City Council website: https://www.maitlandriverlights.com.au/. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Mutual Bank was proud to support Maitland and Kurri Kurri Hospitals in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025, held from 6-13 July. This year’s national theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,” placed local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth at the heart of the celebrations. This year marked the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, and the opportunity to spotlight the strength, resilience, and leadership potential of young Indigenous community members. Leading the way were School-Based Trainees—Annaliese Schonig-Jenkinson (Annie), Tahlia-May Massie, and Lilly Buckland—who played key roles in organising the week’s events. Annie also proudly served as the Master of Ceremonies for the launch. Kirsten Lawrence, Acting Clinical Nurse Educator – Cultural Safety for Maitland and Kurri Kurri Hospitals, coordinated engagement with local schools, facilitating cultural activities including traditional basket weaving and dance workshops. Students from Maitland Public School participated with great pride, performing their first-ever cultural dance for hospital staff and families. Teacher, Dave Wells, expressed his pride in the students, noting their enthusiasm and commitment. The school’s choral group was also invited back to perform at a future hospital event. Our Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill said The Mutual Bank was proud to sponsor the cultural engagement activities. “Supporting the next generation to carry forward cultural knowledge and pride is something we’re honoured to be part of,’ he said. Special guests included CEO of Mindaribba Local Land Council, Tara Dever, staff from Bungaree and Aunty Lorraine Martyn and Aunty Lorraine Dederer who performed the cake cutting with Annie. Learn more about National NAIDOC Week and The Mutual Bank’s Sponsorship program.